Greensleeves

Lily was sitting politely next to her sister, brushing off her dress. Petunia was radiating an air of distaste and irritation next to her, and she has been ever since Lily came back from the Queen’s palace.

Despite this, Lily was very happy, a little worried, but she was trying to fight it down with her joy. The Queen called her flawless, a diamond. She was elated.

Immediately after this accomplishment though, they had to get ready to take this boy into their care. Lily remembered his name, because she liked it a lot. Remus Lupin.

He had come from Ireland, and Lily’s father knew his parents from his trip there. He said it was very beautiful, and he met them because he visited their little restaurant.

“The food was amazing. Better than anything I have ever eaten here. Not better than my dear wifes food, of course. But it was exquisite.”

He had kept in touch with them, and found the family delightful. So, he had been happy to take in Remus with open arms. Maybe Lily could make friends with him. Usually, women and a man aren’t normally friends, maybe acquaintances. Lily believed differently, and she was friends with many men that are respectable to her. James, Sirius, Peter… she has even talked to Evan Rosier on one occasion and he was very kind.

She was just hoping that he was interesting, and hopefully not just… distasteful. Not that she thought her parents would let somebody stay with them if they were like that.

“Please, Petunia, get that scowl off your face. We are to be inviting towards our guest.” Marigold scolded, standing behind her daughters.

“Why should I care about a low-life peasant from Ireland, mother? I have my own life, you know?” Petunia said back, but sat up straight.

“After he arrives, you may go be with Dudley. Or what ever it is you do.” Marigold sighs, “Just stay for a couple minutes, please. Without complaining.” She glares at her eldest daughter, until Petunia groaned.

“Yes, mother.”

“Thank you.” Marigold’s face went back to bright and happy, looking over to her husband. “Lionel, when should he be arriving?”

“Any second now.” He responded after his wife pressed a kiss to his head. As soon as he said that, one of their carriage-men opened the door.

“He has arrived, my lord.” The man said, bowing then raising his hand to the door. “Remus Lupin.”

A boy walked into the room, and Lily let out a little gasp.

“His face…” Petunia murmured, and Marigold pinched her shoulder.

He was very tall, and had light brown hair, curling around his ears and forehead. He wasn’t pale, a nice tan color. He was standing like he was an old man and he’s been sitting for too long, which was correct. He has been in a carriage for days.

Everything else was normal, but his face. He had scars across it, from eyebrow to jaw, eye to nose, forehead to cheek. They were faded, and the only other thing that looked affected by it on his face was his crooked nose. Lily couldn’t even imagine what his face looked like when it happened.

“Remus, my boy. Terribly sorry that you could’ve only gotten here in a carriage. Your father and mother told me of your issue.” Lionel said, getting up from his seat and holding out his hand to Remus.

Remus gave him a barely there smile, “It was… fine. Just a little stiff.” He took the other man’s hand, shaking it firmly.

“Good, good. This is my family.” Lionel turned, pointing in turn. “My wife, Marigold, my youngest daughter, Lily. My eldest daughter, Petunia.”

Lily smiled and waved at him, and he tilted his head. He seemed curious. Was that good? She wondered why he got those scars. Is he a thug? No, that is bad, Lily. We do not think of people that way.

“You don’t have to worry about anything else. You’re in our hands, boy.” Lionel patted him on the back, grinning big. Remus’s smile slightly widened. “We have all your clothes, tell me if any of them are too large. We want you looking as handsome as you can for tonight.” He said, as he walked Remus out the room.

As Lily heard them walk down the hallway, Petunia stood up to look at their mother. “You’re letting that stay in this house?”

“Petunia.” Marigold said in a firm tone, but her sister didn’t stop.

“Look at his face!” Petunia laughed, mocking clear in her voice. “Did he get mauled by a bear? He looks hideous!”

“Petunia, we are letting him stay in our house. He is a nice man and you will not disrespect him in front of me.” 

Lily watched them go back and forth, and was honestly too tired to step in like she usually did. She’d probably have to go get her father.

She got up from the couch, moving across the hallway and moving as quickly as she could in this dress without tripping. She turned a corner, seeing her father and Remus.

“Father.” Lily said, speed-walking over to him, and her father’s face grew concerned.

“What is it, little petal?” He said, raising an eyebrow.

“Petunia and Mother… they’re having another disagreement.” Lily murmured, and Lionel straightened. 

“Right. Alright, Lily,  just stay with Remus. I’ll be back.” He said, putting a hand on Lily’s shoulder as he moved past to go separate the other two women.

Lily sighed, turning back towards Remus. She could see him in more detail now that she was closer. He had scars, yes, but also freckles you could barely see. His eyes seemed to be void of light, unless something interested him. She didn’t know, really, and could only guess. She couldn’t get the best read on him.

“Hello. Sorry, for.. uhm. That.” Lily said, awkwardly laughing and stroking a stand of her hair.

Remus smiled, putting his hands behind his back. “I don’t mind. It is not my business.” Lily blinked at how easy he just… accepted that. He seemed to notice and looked amused.

“Was that not a good answer?” He asked, tilting his head at her. It also made her realize how much taller he was than her. 

“No, no, I was just—“ Lily said, clearing her throat to try and get her thoughts straight. “Sorry. Normally, people here… they are very nosy.” She said, and she heard a chuckle out of the man that surprised her.

“I figured, since you were surprised by me letting you keep your private matters to yourself.” Remus said, covering his mouth with the back of his hand.

“Sorry, I shouldn’t have thought that of you. I apologize.” Lily said, bowing her head in respect until she heard Remus click his tongue.

“No, don’t bow. I am no man of respected parentage. I don’t need it.” He shook his head, “Please, I do not want the daughter of the man who let me stay here to bow to me.”

Lily lifted her head, very amused. “You are… strange. I don’t know if it is good or bad.”

“A mix of both is always good to me.” Remus smiled back, then heard Lionel’s steps coming closer to them. The man was a little tense, his face strewn together.

“Apologies. Had to send Petunia home. She was acting… inappropriately.” Her father said, words carefully chosen. Remus just nodded his head.

“Lily. Go eat something, then start getting ready for later, darling.” Lionel kissed her on the forehead, then went back to Remus, opening the door to his room. Remus waved to her, and Lily waved back.

Remus Lupin. A strange man.

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Sirius hated having breakfast with his family.

He hated having breakfast with his family in the first place, but now especially because it was basically his whole family.

Bellatrix was here with her husband, and so was Narcissa, Lucius, Cygnus, whoever else. So they were sitting at this long table, Orion at one head and Walburga at the other. Sirius was sat between Regulus and Rodolphus, which wasn’t horrible. He did not favor Rodolphus, but he didn’t talk too much. It was mostly polite as it could be, quiet side conversations until his mother spoke.

“Regulus, you’re presenting yourself to society for the first time tonight.” Walburga said to her son, sipping her cup of tea while piercing Regulus under her gaze. Regulus stopped eating his food, looking back at her.

“There are plenty of… ladies who will try to push themselves onto you. You will not entertain them like a certain son does.” She glared at Sirius, which just made Sirius snort. He was used to his mother’s insults at this point. “I will advise you on who we should be conversing with during the party.” She then turned her gaze to Sirius again.

“What?” He said, his mouth full. He heard a cackle from Bellatrix from down the table, and a hand slamming down on the table also from that way. 

“Do not say ‘what’ to your mother, Sirius.” Orion ordered, glaring at him as well. He held back an eyeroll, swallowing his food then turning back to his mother.

“What is it that you would like from me, oh dear mother?” Sirius said in an innocent tone, seeing Regulus’s mouth twitch slightly. He had the emotional capacity for humor sometimes.

“This is nothing to joke about.” Walburga hissed, scowling at him like he was disgusting. “You’re lucky you even still sit at this table. Your antics last season were atrocious. Do not even speak to Regulus the whole night. You will ruin him as you have ruined yourself.” She said with all the venom she could.

Her words loomed over him, and Sirius just looked down at his food. He knew not to test his mother in this state. She had a dangerous glare in her almost jet-black eyes.

“I’m sure you’ll do perfect, Regulus.” His mother gave a smile that could never give any feeling of warmth. Only spite, self-preservation. Sirius didn’t know how Regulus just… didn’t care. He didn’t fight back, didn’t say anything. He just accepted it, and it angered him. A lot.

“I will, mother.” Was all Regulus said, and Sirius just stared at him. He knew his brother felt his eyes on him, but he didn’t acknowledge him.

Sirius used to be able to read his brother’s mind, even if he hid it. He would know. They were practically twins.

Now they couldn’t have been any more different.

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“Your mother has always been one for decorations, James.” Marlene says, laughing as they walk around.

She was right, of course. James got all of his dramatics directly from his mother. Euphemia Potter loved drama, colors, and decorating.

“It’s part of why we’re one of the most illustrious balls of the season.” James boasted, puffing out his chest in pride. “We’re given accolades for our attention to detail.”

“Simmer down. Your mother does this, not you.” Peter snorts from beside Marlene, who laughs at James’s expense.

“It is quite magnificent. You’ve already had a vast house to begin with. There’s just so much.. space.” Marlene grins wide as she twirls in the space of the ballroom, pretending to be dancing with someone else.

“Your estate is only slightly smaller than mine. Yours might be bigger than Pete’s, actually.” James says, and Peter makes an indignant noise.

“Can we not talk of house sizes?” Peter frowns while Marlene cackles, “My house   is bigger than yours!”

“Fine. Let us talk of the wonderful gentlemen and ladies we shall promenade with tonight.” The man with glasses sat on a sofa, leaning back.

“Yes. I must say, Pettigrew, I have heard whispers that Ms. Green has been whispering about you.” Marlene said, sitting beside James.

“She has?” Peter perked up, then cleared his throat. “I mean.. really?” He whispered while his other two friends laughed.

“Yes. Do not get me started on how many girls and mamas are talking about you, sir Potter.” The blonde girl groaned, waving a hand at James.

“Me? Oh, pray tell.”

“I will not be repeating what they say. Ladies can be rather.. disgusting. And crued.” Marlene said, making a face that made Peter laugh.

“I know all about that, don’t worry.” He winked, and that made Peter make a disgusted face.

“You and Sirius are the talk of the ton. As well as Regulus.” She sighed, “It’s exhausting. My mother keeps telling me about this man and that. She threatened to marry me off to some old man if I do not choose.” 

“Maybe she’ll marry you off to that Lord Avery. His wife has passed, and his son is..” Peter couldn’t even finish his sentence before he started laughing.

“Absolutely not! I am the same age as his son.” She faked gagged, looking away.

“I wonder how Lily will do.” James said his thought out loud, humming.

“Are you sure you would not court her? You were keen on her in your first season.” Peter asked, but James shook his head.

“No. We’re just friends now. She has made it.. very clear she is not interested in me.” He chuckled nervously, remembering the.. various words she had shared with him. As well as attacks.

“That doesn’t change that she will be the most sought after.  The Queen praised her.” Peter shrugged, “I think you have a good chance.”

“James, the party is going to start very soon. You need to start getting ready. You two as well.” Euphemia Potter poked her head into the sitting room, looking over the younger adults.

“Of course, mother. I’ll walk Marlene and Peter to the door.” James said, getting up and lending his hand to help Marlene up from her seat.

“Thank you. I’ll see you two later! Make sure to have fun!” Euphemia smiled at them.

“We will, Lady Potter.” Peter bowed his head, and so did Marlene.

James’s mother left, and he walked Marlene and Peter to their carriages outside.

“Bye James!” Peter and Marlene said, and he waved as he heard the trotting of horses down the concrete.

─── ⋆⋅☼⋅⋆ ───

“So, what is the plan, exactly?” Evan asked as he hooked arms with Dorcas, Barty walking with him on his other side.

“I will go talk. I have plenty more friends than you two.” Dorcas said easily, lifting her head up high as they walked past people outside the door.

“I have plenty of friends.” Barty scowled, and Evan smiled.

“Drinking buddies do not count, Crouch.”

“Shh. You two should stick together. Act as if you’re promenading. Also, it’s the first ball of the season. Have fun.” She said, touching the bun in her head.

“Dorcas! Oh, your dress looks incredible!” Euphemia Potter strolled towards the trio, looking absolutely magnificent herself. She wore a red dress that complimented her tan skin and curly hair, and it was fairly long, just barely stopping at her ankle.

“Thank you, Lady Potter.” Dorcas bowed, as well as Evan and Barty. “I made it myself.”

Her dress was a deep turquoise, sleeves and a low collar, the dress covering her feet. It had less of a petticoat, so it was more slim. Gems adorned it to create swirls and patterns across her front and back. She loved making it, and wearing it was even better. Then she put his braids into a bun on top of her head.

“Of course you did. Your mother is incredible at it, it’s only obvious you’d be the same.” Euphemia smiled at her, then turned to the two boys. “I hope you two have fun as well.”

“Thank you.” Barty smiled, and Evan nodded.

Euphemia Potter walked away to greet someone else, and Dorcas glanced around.

“Where is Regulus?” She asked, squinting at people to see where he was.

“You know the Blacks love to show up fashionably late.” Evan shrugged, grabbing Barty’s arm and yanking him. “We’re going to get drinks.”

“Stick to the plan, Rosier.” Dorcas sharpened her eyes at them playfully, then watched them get lost into the crowd.

Where is Regulus?

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Regulus was in a carriage with his brother, his carriage right behind his mother. 

His mother had insisted on going over eligible ladies, then caused her to argue back and forth with Bellatrix about ‘who was worthy’ for him. It was exhausting.

The two brothers had sat in silence for the cart ride, but Sirius of course had to break it. He could never be silent for long.

“You didn’t talk to me all summer.” Sirius said, and Regulus already wanted to punch him and walk to the party instead.

“What about it?” Regulus said, glaring icily at his brother.

“I know I was gone, but—“

“Exactly. You were gone. Conversation is over.” Regulus said with bite, crossing his arms over his chest.

Sirius frowned, sitting up straight, “You know why I didn’t stay.”

He knew. Of course he knew. That didn’t make it any less bad.

“I do. So, you left me there instead to carry your burden.”

“Regulus, it isn’t—“

“Save it.” He hissed, scowling. “You won’t have to worry about me any longer. I will be married by the end of the season, and be out of your life.”

“That isn’t what I want, Regulus!” Sirius’s voice grew a bit in volume. “You shouldn’t have to do all of this! You should be with someone who you care for. Not a single person in our family has had a love match. It’s all for power and gain, and it shows.”

“What’s so wrong with that? Maybe I can learn to love my wife. Narcissa did so with Lucius.” Regulus pointed out.

“You don’t have to follow. Maybe I want to feel something for the person I’d spend my whole life with.” Sirius stretched his arms out dramatically. “Maybe I want to see my brother with someone he actually loves.” His voice was soft now, and Regulus hated how his chest hurt because of it.

“It does not matter what I want.” He said plainly, looking out the window of the carriage. “I am not like you, Sirius. I do not argue and fight abrasively. I listen, I adapt, I know my situation.”

“Reg, you shouldn’t feel the need to do that. I just want to see you with someone you really love. Is that so bad?” Sirius said, throwing his hands up.

“I do not care what you think. You left.” Regulus said again, and Sirius flinched. But it seemed to just make him more determined.

“You could’ve come with me. The Potters would’ve happily let you stay for the summer. I told you that. James—“

“I couldn’t have left. Both of us cannot leave. It isn’t possible.” Regulus snapped, not wanting to hear that name. Stupid name. No, no more.

“What are you talking about?” Sirius said, grumbling.

“It’s one or the other. You left, so now it is on me. You made your choice. Die with it.”

The brothers glared at each other, both having an identical fire in their stormy eyes.

“We are here, my lords.” Their servant said from outside, and Regulus gave one last look before opening the door and stepping out.

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“Can I not just.. stick close to you the rest of the evening?” Lily pleaded, arm and arm with Marlene, who laughed at her.

“No, Lily. The men will only be so patient with me here. They’ll steal you away from me.” Marlene teased, which just made Lily groan.

“I know. I am just putting it off.” The red head glanced around, seeing all eyes on her. Not just the men, but the mothers and girls. They eyed her with envy, desire, and surprisingly.. slight fear. Lily didn’t want to be feared. 

“It is better to be feared than loved, if you cannot be both.”

Her mom had told her that when she was little. Lily remembers it everyday. It affects how people react, or respond. She chooses to be loved, or try to give others love.

“Just come run to me if he is weird or… something.” Marlene’s eye seemed to be caught by something. Lily followed her eyes to Dorcas Meadowes.

“Oh wow! She’s beautiful!” Lily commented, making Marlene snap her head back towards her. She looked at her friend funny. 

“What? She looks absolutely gorgeous.” The red-head looked over the crowd, seeing Dorcas surrounded by three men. She looked incredibly professional. A small smile and she seemed to be very poised. It was amazing.

“Yes. She is…” The blonde said in a longing way, which made Lily raise an eyebrow. 

“Are you okay, Marlene?” She asked, and her friend seemed to snap out of some sort of trance.

“I’m perfect. Never been better. Let us find you some men to dance with, yes?” Marlene said with a nervous smile, grabbing Lily’s arm.

“Marlene! Hey, my dress, McKinnon!”

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“Why, I cannot believe my eyes. The younger Black brother.” Slughorn drawled, turning quickly and making some of his drink spill.

Regulus forced a small smile, knowing it would go a long way for Horace. “Hello, Lord Slughorn. Having a good time, I suppose?”

“Yes, I am. The Potter’s have been throwing this party for about two decades and it is different every time! It is quite extraordinary.” Horace hummed, sipping his drink. “I hope you are doing well, my boy. It’s been so long since I’ve seen you in my lab.”

“Apologies. I’ve been quite busy with… this.” He motioned to the ball, making Slughorn laugh.

“Well, yes. I suppose finding a wife is rather time consuming, eh?” He guffawed, wheezing a little. It almost made Regulus cringe.

“It is. I’m glad you understand.”

Slughorn looked up in thought, “I just hope you are better behaved than some of these other men. Quite horrid things I’ve heard from others.” He clicked his tongue in distaste. Regulus’s ears perked up.

“How awful. What has happened, Slughorn?”

“I’m surprised not everyone knows. It is quite scandalous. Lady Whistledown will get a hold of it soon.”

Slughorn proceeded to tell him about a Lord who was put into a supreme debt from gambling at the Three Broomsticks. Regulus had heard the name before. It was perfect.

“I would’ve never guessed. How awful, to throw away your children’s lively-hood.” Regulus pressed a hand to his chest, attempting to look saddened by this information.

“It is, it is. He will get what is coming to him.” Slughorn waved his hand dismissively.

“Thank you, Lord Slughorn.” Regulus bowed his head slightly in respect. “I hope to see you again soon.”

“Of course, my boy. Of course.” The man patted him on the back, then walked away.

“I didn’t know you were one for gossip, Regulus.”

Regulus spun around to meet deep brown eyes, hair curling into his tan face. James Potter.

“I do not understand why you are in my business, Potter.” He kept his face a mask of calm, fixing his posture and placing his hands behind his back.

“It is my party. I also noticed no one came to greet you from my family, so I took it upon myself.” James bowed his head, and Regulus looked down at him with a scowl.

“Well, thank you. I will be going now.” Regulus said, attempting to move past James.

“Why?” The other made a face that Regulus denied it to be sadness. Christ.

“I am not at this ball for no reason. I must talk to the esteemed families of the ton.”

“I’m an important family member.” James reasoned, motioning to himself. “You don’t have to converse with ladies yet. Do you really want to burden yourself with that so early in the night?”

“Talking with ladies is a burden to you, Potter? That will hurt them to hear.” Regulus looked him up and down while Potter sputtered.

“No! I just— I mean for you. You do not.. you are not like me. You..”

“I am less rambunctious and annoying than you?” The Black asked, and James snorted.

“I suppose, if you shall word it like that.” He shrugged.

“I am not supposed to be talking to you anyhow. Go find S… my brother. I’m sure he is making a fool of himself.”

James gave him a sorrowful look as he lost him in the crowd, and Regulus despised how it made his chest curl inward.

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“Lord Black, we were wondering when you were going to dance?”

“Yes, quite. Especially who.”

“Do you like my dress tonight, Black?”

Sirius laughed, a tinge of overwhelmed-ness seeping into it. “Ladies, you are all very beautiful, I assure you. I will come to the dance floor eventually tonight.”

“What ladies have caught your eye?”

“Will you go for the diamond?”

He coughed, “Uhm, apologies, ladies. I… have somewhere else to be.” He sounded stupid, but those ladies were giving him a headache.

He pushed through people to move away, hearing people call his name still. This party was already a bore. Some new girls sure, but none interested him. Not to marry, especially.

Until he bounded into a massive wall.

He had almost fallen until a hand wrapped around his waist, lifting him upright. Sirius spluttered in disbelief, “What—“

“Apologies.” The wall that had turned into a man apologized.

“No, it is my own fault.” He said, brushing himself off and looking up at the stranger. He… he..

“…You.. you look-“ Sirius stuttered, and he felt something hurt in his chest when the other man’s face darkened a little.

“I would prefer not to talk about my facial features, considering I do not know you.” He said, glaring down at Sirius.

“You don’t.. know me?” Sirius asked, raising an eyebrow. “How?”

“Am I supposed to?”

“Yes, of course. I am from the esteemed House of Black. Any one in their right mind should know of me.” He scoffed, crossing his arms over his chest.

“I am slightly insane. My apologies.” The man said, and Sirius could tell he was not being taken serious.

“Who are you, then?” Sirius asked, glaring up at the other’s eyes. 

“Remus Lupin.”

Remus Lupin.

Remus.

“Well, Lupin, I am Sirius Black.” He introduced himself haughtily.

“Oh. You are Lily’s friend.” Sirius froze when he heard Lily’s name, and blinked.

“You know Lily? How? Wait—“

“Sirius, I hope you are not arguing with Remus.” The redhead suddenly appeared beside Sirius, glaring at him.

“Lily— this is the man staying with you?” He asked, pointing at him.

“I am right here.” Remus commented, and Sirius did not know why this man teasing him didn’t anger him as much as it should.

“Yes, Remus is staying with us for the season. Which is why I hope you are not picking a fight with him.” Lily scolded, then turned to Remus. “Do not mind him. His ego is the size of a mountain, this one. He speaks grotesquely away from prying eyes.”

“How dare you spread this slander! I will not stand for it, Evans!”

“Oh, quit being dramatic.” Lily rolled her eyes, and Sirius’s response caught in his throat when Remus laughed. His heart beat twice in a row. Sirius scowled.

“How dare you laugh at me—“ He then got cut off by Lily stepping on his foot.

“You haven’t danced with anyone, right, Sirius? Please, let’s go dance.” Lily smiled innocently at him, taking his arm in her’s. Sirius bumbled out protests, and looked behind him as he was being dragged away. Lupin was taller than most of the people at this party, so he could still see his tuft of hair.

Remus Lupin.

“Why haven’t you danced with anyone yet, Sirius? Usually you have a girl wrapped around you by now.” She commented when they made their way to the dance floor, standing parallel to him.

“Nothing, does not matter. Is he truly staying with you all season?” He asks, hearing his eagerness to know.

“Yes, Sirius. You seemed too enraptured by him for you two to be arguing as soon as you meet.” Lily says, looking very confused.

“He was laughing at me, Evans.”

“I laugh at you, Sirius. All the time.” She says as they dance, moving in circles and spins that they’ve learned at young ages. Lily had mastered all kinds of dances by the time she was eight.

“You don’t get it, Lils. It’s… he is different.”

“Sirius, don’t say that.” She scolded him again.

“No, not like that! I do not care about his face! He is just… different.” 

“Talking about somebody else while dancing with me will break my heart, Lord Black.” Lily teased, making Sirous chuckle.

“Okay, Evans. You act as if all these girls aren’t staring at you in jealousy.” He said back, eyeing her mischievously.

“They’ve looked like that ever since the Queen favored me. The disgust might get stuck on their faces.” Lily sighed, while Sirius’s grin just grew wider.

“Do not speak so ill of your fellow ladies, Evans. They already hate you enough.” He cackled, making some other dancers turn their heads.

“Quit, they will see.” Lily said, but was holding back a giggle herself.

“Let them. Maybe they will leave me alone for the rest of the season. My mother already thinks me a man-spinster.” He says, and Lily hears the slight sadness in his tone.

“You will marry, Sirius. I am sure of it.” Sirius doesn’t respond, and his eyes look far away, so she continues. “Someone will love you and your mansion full of trauma. Even if they don’t, you could marry James.”

“That is scandalous, Lily.” Sirius said, but he wanted to laugh. She could hear it.

“I just say the truth, Black.” She smiled as the dance ended, and she curtsied while Sirius bowed.

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